Snowboard king Scotty James has dazzled to reign supreme in the last World Cup halfpipe event before the Olympics, where he'll be seeking an elusive gold medal.
On a big day for Australia's Olympic hopes, James sent a clear message to rivals as he won the prestigious Laax Open in Switzerland for a third consecutive time and fifth time in total, while young countryman Valentino Guseli was third.
The 31-year-old James scored 98.75 points for his spectacular second run to claim Saturday's victory ahead of Kiwi surprise packet Campbell Melville Ives (91.00) and Calgary World Cup winner Guseli (80.25) - the first Oceania podium sweep in FIS history.
